Reflections from the 2021 WATESOL Conference: ESOL, Race & Equity

November 12, 2021

On October 16th I attended the Washington Area TESOL (WATESOL) virtual conference. I mapped out my workshop schedule eager to learn more about asset- based instruction and how to support learners who struggle with unseen learning difficulties. I found these workshops to be hugely informative, but it was the keynote address from Suhanthie Motha that has lingered with me every single day since.

Her presentation “Is antiracist English language teaching possible? Striving for racial justice in TESOL” challenged us as English language teaching professionals to look at our work in a larger social and historical context. There is an inherent complexity to teaching English that many of us may not have considered in our day-to-day lives as adult ESOL professionals. Historically to the present, the English language has been used as a tool for colonialism, oppression, racism and enforcing a culture of white supremacy. Conversely, most of us enter the field of ESOL with the intention to teach English as a tool for helping learners improve their lives through gaining the language skills needed to engage and thrive in their lives and community.

Motha’s keynote encouraged us to ask our field and ourselves difficult questions like, “How do I hold knowledge of oppression with the intention of supporting learners?”  Difficult questions like this one call us to not only critically examine our field but also dig deep into our own selves to recognize that none of us are neutral in the way we see race. I left Dr. Motha’s keynote with an ache in my heart that reminded me that there is much work to be done to bring more racial equity to our field.

We at MCAEL are committed to evolving in our knowledge, practices and supports around racial equity as a community. Recognizing the work starts inside we’re committed to doing our work in house, as well as, in the broader MCAEL network. Motha’s call has sparked our staff and members of our Executive Board to form a book club. We will be reading her book Race, Empire and English Language Teaching: Creating Responsible and Ethical Anti-Racist Practice and exploring how it applies to the work we are doing here in the Montgomery County adult ESOL community. Creating a racially equitable community starts with digging deep inside of ourselves, but we don’t have to do it alone. When we work towards racial equity in compassionate community the lift becomes more doable for each of us.

Tiffani Ross
Manager of Network Learning and Development
 

A picture of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's new Executive Director. He wears a navy-blue suit.

A Letter from MCAEL's New Executive Director

By Emma Starr • May 21, 2025
Dear MCAEL Community, It is such an honor to be joining you as MCAEL’s new Executive Director. With my many years of mission-driven work rooted in Montgomery County – and as an English language learner myself – I could not be more thrilled to join this amazing staff and network of programs. I’ve known MCAEL for years through my work in the county, both at Interfaith Works and most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). But after just two weeks on the job at MCAEL, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the breadth of work that we do – and the impact that we have on the lives of so many. Not speaking English affects your life in almost every way, from asking for directions or help in a store to securing employment and an education. I speak from experience. I was a young teenager when my family moved to the United States. Not knowing how to speak the language, I had to navigate not only a new country, but eighth grade in an American middle school (arguably challenging even for native speakers). At a time when some of our learners are afraid to come to class, we need to stand tall and continue to do what we have always done – offer pathways to a better quality of life through English learning, and to support our strong network of programs in doing so. I am excited to take on this work and I look forward to meeting all of you through planned visits to programs, as well as at meetings and community events. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits! Please reach out at any time – I would love it. Warmly, Gerard

MCAEL’s First-Ever Learner Celebration

By Emma Starr • May 14, 2025
One hundred and sixty-five people came out for food, performances, resources, and inspiring stories at MCAEL’s first-ever Celebration of English Learners last month. Attendees may have hailed from across the globe, but they shared common experiences as immigrants and English language learners. At the event, they had access to organizations offering services ranging from healthcare to legal advice – and all enjoyed an abundance of international food, and a lively program featuring the personal stories of learners and dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Internacional and CCACC Evergreen Martial Arts Health Dance Class. Representatives from the offices of Councilmembers Jawando and Mink presented a special citation, signed by the Council Education Committee, to Sonia Peñate, long-time volunteer (and former learner) from the Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL program. Kanidiengue Kone, who moved to the US from the Ivory Coast three years ago and currently serves as a member of MCAEL’s Learner Leadership Group, had these words for the crowd: “Today, I want to encourage you: keep going with your classes, even when it feels hard. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone.”
Image of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's New Executive Director.

MCAEL Welcomes Gerard J. P. Etienne as New Executive Director

By MCAEL • April 16, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.”  "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.